Home Improvement Contractor - Licensed Contractors
I am a painting contractor and would like to expand into the commercial contracting arena in new york city.?
My great commercial clients want me to do all their contracting needs such as dry wall, plumbing, electric for their stores, they trust me and want me to get things done, i wanna make a living. I am having a hard time getting any straight answers. I would like to sub out to highly proffesionals with their own licence and insurance. what is the least expensive way for me to do business and what kind of insurance and licence do I need? I am being told buy insurance companies that i need to get about $12,000. liaibility and $10,000. in workers comp. Please help someone so I am allowed to make a l honest living withotu giving all my money to these other guys!
Public Comments
- Im in the cleaning business with similar situations. The insurance should NOT cost too much. I finally found, through american family insurance, the minimum that I needed and it costs about 30.00 per month. That is not bad. Be careful for those chaps that will try to bilk you out of hundreds. Did you know that most companies ask for this insurance not because they are concerned that you will need it but because on paperwork it proves to THEIR insurance companies and the IRS that you are an independent contractor and not an employee? Insurance quote sounds about right just watch the prices. They will ask you to pay the first three months in advance. I am not sure why on earth you would need workers comp if you are hiring out to subcontractors as that is for employees. Workers comp wont even cover you. It is ONLY for employees. Best recheck that info. I have a contract that I make my subcontractors sign, covers stuff like them trying to take my work away, their conduct, due dates, billing submission and so much more. You really want that more than anything else. Make sure the contracts are as complete as possible. I might have a copy still and can email it to you if you contact me just to give you an idea of what you are looking at. The best way to get the most educated answers would be to contact your local "score" office. They are bent on promoting small businesses and will help you any way they can for free or a very small price. Here is the link in your area, they will even work with you over the phone. http://www.scorenyc.org/ Be picky with those subcontractors at first. Dont be nice. All business. I had to learn the hard way. Now im not saying be a jerk but firm, demand perfection. It will weed out the chumps quickly. I really have to do this being a woman but I am a great business person. I have gone through about 5 people to find one good one and that is lucky. Most say 20 to 1. Ride their rumps and check all their work often. Dont let them chum up to you and watch out for the ones who try and make you laugh a lot or refocus on other things besides the work, like family, finances, and eating. Ask those pleased companies you work with to post on Angieslist.com for you too. You will be great.
